Methods for iontophoretically treating nausea and migraine

ABSTRACT

Methods for treating nausea and migraine by iontophoretically administering triptan compounds are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/232,617, filed Aug. 10, 2009, to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/256,796, filed Oct. 30, 2009, and to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/358,300, filed Jun. 24, 2010. Each ofthese provisional applications are incorporated herein in theirentireties by this reference.

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a condition that affects approximately 28 million people inthe United States, with females more frequently affected than males(Silberstein, Neurology, 2000 55:754-63). Migraine headache isassociated with a painful vasodilation of cranial vessels that typicallymanifests in unilateral, pulsating pain of moderate or severe intensitythat worsens with physical activity and typically lasts from 4 to 72hours. In addition to headache pain, migraine can be associated with avariety of other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, phonophobia andphotophobia (Lawrence, Southern Medical Journal, 2004, 97(11):1069-77).Approximately 20% of migraineurs experience an aura, which typicallyincludes visual symptoms, such as spots of light, zigzag lines or agraying out of vision. Migraines may be triggered by a variety offactors, including stress, diet/foods, shifts in time schedules, bodyrhythms, sleep patterns, changes in weather/barometric pressure, changesin altitude and hormonal changes.

Mild migraine can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter medicationssuch as aspirin, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) and combination products that include caffeine. Triptans mayrelieve up to 80% of migraines within two hours (Scholpp et al,Cephalalgia, 2004, 24:925-33). Seven different triptans have beenapproved and are currently marketed and are available in the UnitedStates in a variety of formulations, such as oral, dissolvable, nasalspray and injectable.

Sumatriptan is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks,with our without aura, in adults. Sumatriptan is a serotonin agonist fora vascular 5-hydroxytriptamine_(1D) (5-HT_(1D)) receptor subtype (amember of the 5-HT₁ family) and its therapeutic activity in migraine isgenerally attributed this agonist activity. Currently, it is availablein three formulations: oral, injectable and nasal. While oraladministration of sumatriptan tablets is typically well tolerated, oraladministration suffers from inconsistent bioavailability and efficacy,partly due to variable presystemic hepatic metabolism. Injectablesumatriptan may be fast acting, but it is also short-lived. Sumatriptannasal spray is more variable than the injectable form and is associatedwith side effects, e.g. bitter taste, which some patients findintolerable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery thatnausea and headache pain can be treated in a subject with migraine byiontophoretic delivery of a triptan compound without cardiovascularsymptoms (e.g., symptoms that are typically associated with injectabledelivery of a triptan) and also without migraine-associated absorptionreduction (e.g., typically associated with oral delivery of a triptanduring a migraine).

In some aspects, the present invention provides methods for treatingnausea in a subject suffering from a migraine by iontophoreticallyadministering an effective amount of a triptan compound to the subject,such that the nausea is treated without cardiovascular side effects.

In some embodiments, nausea is reduced in the subject by at least about50%, e.g., by at least about 75%. In some embodiments, the nausea istreated without migraine-associated absorption reduction. In someembodiments, the migraine is aborted in the subject. In someembodiments, the nausea is treated without triptan side effects. In someembodiments, the nausea is treated for at least two hours. In someembodiments, the migraine is treated for at least two hours.

In some embodiments, the subject is suffering from a migraine with apain severity score of 2 or 3. In some embodiments, the subject'sheadache score is reduced from a score of about 3 to about 2, to about1, or to about 0. In some embodiments, the subject's headache score isreduced from a score of about 2 to about 1, or to about 0.

In some embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, thesubject is suffering from migraine induced nausea or vomiting. In someembodiments, the subject is suffering from a prodromal migraine symptom,and the prodromal migraine symptom is treated. In some embodiments, thesubject is suffering from a migraine aura, and the migraine aura istreated.

In some embodiments, the triptan compound is a sumatriptan or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, iontophoretically administering the triptancompound comprises a current which results in moderate, minimal or noerythema.

In some embodiments, the triptan compound is administerediontophoretically in a two phase manner, comprising:

-   -   a first phase, wherein the triptan compound is administered with        a current of about 4 mA for about an hour; and    -   a second phase, wherein the triptan compound is administered        with a current of about 2 mA for about three hours.

In some embodiments, the current does not substantially irritate thesubject's skin. In some embodiments, the current does not result in askin erythema score of greater than 2.5, of greater than 2.0, of greaterthan 1.5, or of greater than 1.0, immediately after patch removal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the mean sumatriptan level (ng/mL) of allsubjects from t=0 through 12 hours post-dosing of sumatriptan (50 mg) orthe investigational iontophoretic patch administered during a migraineand in a migraine free period.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the mean sumatriptan level (ng/mL) of thesubjects exhibiting the migraine effect from t=0 through 12 hourspost-dosing of sumatriptan (50 mg) or the investigational iontophoreticpatch administered during a migraine and in a migraine free period.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the mean sumatriptan (95% CI) plasmaconcentration-time profile of the PK Evaluable Subjects (N=18) bytreatment and period in linear scale.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the mean sumatriptan (95% CI) plasmaconcentration-time profile of the PK Evaluable Subjects (N=18) bytreatment and period in semi-log scale.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the mean sumatriptan (95% CI) plasmaconcentration-time profile of the PK Evaluable Subjects with migraineeffect following oral sumatriptan treatment (N=7) by treatment andperiod in linear scale.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the mean sumatriptan (95% CI) plasmaconcentration-time profile of the PK Evaluable Subjects without migraineeffect following oral sumatriptan treatment (N=11) by treatment andperiod in linear scale.

FIGS. 7A-D are graphs illustrating percentage of subjects with nausea atbaseline who experienced headache pain relief (A), freedom from nausea(B), freedom from photophobia (C), and freedom from phonophobia (D) 1and 2 hours after patch activation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the National Headache Foundation, 55 percent of migrainesufferers can experience nausea as part of their migraine attacks. Thisoften results in subjects delaying, modifying, or skipping treatment.Concerns about treatment side effects can also lead patients to delay,modify, or skip treatment in over one-third of migraine attacks.Moreover, many patients experience inconsistent relief, which can beattributed, in part, to substantial variation in oral drug absorption,particularly when the subject is suffering from a migraine. The presentinvention is based, at least in part, on the discovery thationtophoretic delivery of a triptan compound can treat a subject, e.g.,a subject suffering from nausea, headache pain, etc., withoutcardiovascular symptoms, which are typically associated with injectabledelivery of a triptan, and also without migraine-associated absorptionreduction, which is typically associated with oral delivery of a triptanduring a migraine. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory,it is believed that iontophoretic administration as described herein cannot only treat migraine, but also inhibit the start or progression ofnausea in a subject suffering from migraine (for example by eliminatingthe need to swallow a pill), and even affirmatively reduce and/or treatnausea in migraine sufferers.

DEFINITIONS

In order to more clearly and concisely describe the subject matter ofthe claims, the definitions recited herein are intended to provideguidance as to the meaning of terms used herein.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more” or “atleast one,” unless otherwise indicated. That is, reference to anyelement of the present invention by the indefinite article “a” or “an”does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element ispresent.

As used herein, the term “iontophoretically” or “iontophoretic” includesmethods of administration which use electric current to promote theabsorption of a triptan compound (e.g., sumatriptan) from theiontophoretic device (e.g., patch) through the skin of a subject.

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive drug delivery method that useselectrical current to move solubilized drugs across the skin to theunderlying tissue. The technology typically employs the use of twoelectrodes with pads or reservoirs placed on top of each electrode withone containing the drug compound (e.g., the anode) and the othercontaining a salt solution (e.g., the cathode). Application of a lowelectrical potential across the electrodes results in the movement ofionized drug away from the electrode, through the skin and into thetissue. The quantity of drug transported into the skin is proportionalto the total current delivered and is dependent upon a number ofcriteria, including the molecular weight of the drug ion, drugconcentration and buffer concentration. The total current is typicallyexpressed in units of milliamp minutes (mA min).

Since iontophoresis is a non-invasive process, there is no mechanicalpenetration or disruption of the skin. Using iontophoresis, therapeuticdrug levels can be delivered parenterally without an injection. The rateand amount of drug delivery can be precisely controlled, so that dosesmay be automatically delivered, for example, in a pre-programmed manner.Thus, therapeutic drug levels can be delivered discretely over aspecified period. Adverse events due to the iontophoresis process mayinclude local erythema, irritation and pruritus. The extent to whichthese events occur is dependent on total current as well as the specificproperties of the pharmaceutical agent being delivered.

The term “iontophoretic patch” or “iontophoretic transdermal patch”includes devices which allow for the iontophoretic administration of atriptan compound through the skin of a subject. In one embodiment, thepatch comprises electrical components, a triptan compound and anadhesive backing layer. In a further embodiment, the iontophoretic patchmay be an integrated device, e.g., wearable, self contained device thatdoes not require a separate controller or power source. In anotherfurther embodiment, the iontophoretic patch of the invention is notintegrated, e.g., requires a separate controller, power source, etc, andmay not necessarily be wearable. Examples of iontophoretic patches maybe found in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009/00318847,2009/0031745 and 2008/0287497 as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,071. Thecontents of each of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference.

The terms “treat” or “treatment” refer generally to the iontophoreticadministration of a therapeutic agent (e.g., a triptan compound) to asubject. The subject generally has a disease or disorder, a symptom ofdisease or disorder or a predisposition toward a disease or disorder(e.g., a migraine). The purpose of treatment is generally to cure, heal,alleviate, relieve, remedy, ameliorate, or improve such disease,disorder, symptoms or predisposition. “Treated”, as used herein, refersto the disease or disorder being cured, healed, alleviated, relieved,remedied, ameliorated, or improved. The terms “treat,” “treated,”“treating,” or “treatment” include the reduction or amelioration of oneor more symptoms of a migraine and/or the reduction or amelioration ofnausea. It also may include the prevention of the occurrence orreoccurrence of the migraine and/or the nausea.

As used herein, the term “migraine” includes migraines with and withoutaura, basilar-type migraines, hemiplegic migraines, episodic migraines(e.g., those which occur less than about 15 times per month) and chronicmigraines (e.g., those which occur more than about 15 times per month).As used herein, the term “migraine” includes migraines that are causedby one or more of the following triggers: hormonal changes, food,stress, sensory stimuli, changes in wake/sleep patterns, weather andbarometric pressure changes, physical factors or medication.

The term “aborting a migraine,” as used herein, includes the curtailingor substantial diminishment of one or more symptoms of a migraine afterthe subject has begun suffering from the migraine.

The term “prodromal migraine symptoms,” as used herein, include symptomsthat usually precede a migraine by several hours or day and that occurin approximately 40-60% of migraineurs. Prodromal migraine symptoms mayinclude, but are not limited to, for example, altered mood,irritability, depression or euphoria, fatigue, yawning, excessivesleepiness, craving of certain foods, stiff neck, intestinaldisturbances (e.g., constipation or diarrhea) and increased urination.

The term “migraine aura,” as used herein, includes focal neurologicalphenomena that precede or accompany a migraine. The term “migraine aura”includes visual aura (e.g., photopsia, scintillating scotoma, blurredvision, tunnel vision and hemianopsia), somatosensory aura (e.g.,digiolingual or cheiroral paresthesia), auditory or olfactoryhallucinations, temporary dysphasia, vertigo, tingling or numbness ofthe face and extremities and hypersensitivity to touch.

The term “subject,” as used herein, includes living organisms capable ofhaving a migraine (with or without migraine-induced vomiting or nausea),a migraine aura or prodromal migraine symptoms (e.g., mammals). Examplesof subjects include humans, pigs, primates, dogs, cats, horses, cows,goats, rats and mice.

As used herein, “triptan compound” refers to a member of the family oftryptamine-based drugs used as abortive medication in the treatment ofmigraines and cluster headaches. In some embodiments, triptan compoundsinclude, for example, compounds of formula (I):

wherein:

-   -   R₁ is a C1-2 alkyl,    -   each occurrence of R₂ is H,    -   R₃ is H,    -   optionally R₁ and R₂ are connected by a C2-4 alkylene group to        form a heterocyclic group including the nitrogen on the core;    -   optionally R₂ and R₃ are connected by a C2-4 alkylene group to        form a cyclic group; and    -   R₄ is selected from C1-4 alkyl substituted with an amide, an        N-methylamide, an N,N-dimethylamide, a sulfonamide, an        N-methylsulfonamide, an N,N-dimethylsulfonamide, a        pyrrolidinylsulfonyl, a benzylsulfonyl, a C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, a        triazolyl, a pyrazolyl, a pyrrolyl, an oxazolidinonyl, an        oxazolyl or an oxazolidinyl.

The term “triptan compound,” as used herein, includes, for example,sumatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan,almotriptan and frovatriptan.

The term triptan compound also includes derivatives, analogs, prodrugsand pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the foregoing compounds. In oneembodiment, the triptan compound is sumatriptan or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to the amount of thetriptan compound necessary to achieve a desired effect. The term“desired effect” refers generally to any result that is anticipated bythe skilled artisan when the compounds described herein are administeredto a subject. The term “effective amount” includes the amount of atriptan compound that is effective to treat a nausea in a subjectsuffering from a migraine. The term “effective amount” can also includethe amount of a triptan compound that is effective, e.g., for treating amigraine, for treating nausea and/or for aborting a migraine in asubject suffering from a migraine. The term “effective amount” canfurther include the amount of a triptan compound that is effective fortreating a subject suffering from prodromal migraine symptoms ormigraine aura.

In some aspects, the present invention provides methods for treatingnausea in a subject suffering from a migraine by iontophoreticallyadministering to the subject an effective amount of a triptan compound.

In other aspects, the present invention provides methods for treatingnausea and headache pain in a subject suffering from a migraine byiontophoretically administering an effective amount of a triptancompound to the subject.

In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention providetreatment of migraine or nausea (e.g., headache pain relief or nausearelief) for at least about 1 hour, at least about 2 hours, at leastabout 3 hours, at least about 4 hours, at least about 6 hours, at leastabout 8 hours, at least about 10 hours, at least about 12 hours, atleast about 14 hours, at least about 16 hours, at least about 18 hours,at least about 20 hours, at least about 22 hours, or at least about 24hours. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention providetreatment of migraine and nausea (e.g., headache pain relief and nausearelief) for at least about 1 hour, at least about 2 hours, at leastabout 3 hours, at least about 4 hours, at least about 6 hours, at leastabout 8 hours, at least about 10 hours, at least about 12 hours, atleast about 14 hours, at least about 16 hours, at least about 18 hours,at least about 20 hours, at least about 22 hours, or at least about 24hours. In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention providetreatment of migraine and nausea (e.g., headache pain relief and nausearelief) for at least about 2 hours.

In some embodiments, nausea is reduced by about 10%, about 15%, about20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%,about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about85%, about 90%, about 95% or even about 100%. In some embodiments,nausea is reduced by about 50%. In some embodiments, nausea is reducedby about 75%. In some embodiments, nausea is reduced by about 100%.Reduction in nausea may be compared, for example, to nausea experiencedprior to administration of the triptan compound.

In some embodiments, the triptan compound administered to the subject issumatriptan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, e.g.,sumatriptan succinate.

Administration of triptans, e.g., intravenous administration ofsumatriptan, can lead to a number of unwanted side effects. Such sideeffects may include, but are not limited to, palpitation, changes inblood pressure, sinusitis, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, upperrespiratory inflammation, ear, nose, and throat hemorrhage, externalotitis, hearing loss, nasal inflammation, sensitivity to noise, sclera,mydriasis, blindness and low vision, visual disturbances, eye edema andswelling, eye irritation and itching, accommodation disorders, externalocular muscle disorders, eye hemorrhage, eye pain, keratitis,conjunctivitis, diarrhea, gastric symptoms, anemia, myalgia,phonophobia, photophobia, dyspepnea, hypersensitivity, coronary arteryvasospasm, myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia andventricular fibrillation. Without wishing to be bound by any particulartheory, it is believed that the present invention provides a means foradministration of a triptan compound which allows for effectivetreatment of nausea and/or migraine, while minimizing triptan sideeffects. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods fortreating nausea and/or migraine without triptan side effects. As usedherein, the term “triptan side effects” refers to the side effectsexperienced by a subject receiving a triptan compound, and includesthose discussed immediately above. In some embodiments, the subject doesnot suffer from side effects comparable to the side effects suffered bysubjects receiving intravenous administration of sumatriptan.

Administration of triptans, e.g., intravenous administration ofsumatriptan, can lead to cardiovascular side effects. Such side effectsinclude, for example, palpitations, syncope, changes in blood pressure,arrhythmia, changes in ECG, hypertension, hypotension, pallor, pulsatingsensations, tachycardia, and in more rare cases, angina,atherosclerosis, bradycardia, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular lesion,heart block, peripheral cyanosis, thrombosis, transient myocardialischemia, and vasodilation. Without wishing to be bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that the present invention provides ameans for administration of a triptan compound which allows foreffective treatment of nausea and/or migraine, while minimizingcardiovascular side effects. In some embodiments, administration of thetriptan compound utilizing the methods provided herein does not causecardiovascular side effects. As used herein, the term “cardiovascularside effects” refers to the cardiovascular side effects experienced by asubject receiving intravenous sumatriptan, and includes those discussedimmediately above. In some embodiments, the present invention providesrelief from nausea and/or migraine with no cardiovascular side effects.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treatingnausea and/or migraine in a subject susceptible to cardiovascular sideeffects. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it isbelieved that certain subpopulations of migraine sufferers aresusceptible to cardiovascular side effects (e.g., when administered atriptan compound intravenously). The iontophoretic methods describedherein can treat nausea and/or other migraine symptoms in subjectssusceptible to cardiovascular side effects such that the nausea and/orother migraine symptoms are treated without cardiovascular side effects.

The methods of the present invention can allow triptan compounds to beadministered such that the AUC_(0-inf) is comparable to that of otherdosage forms such as systemic, oral or nasal administration, while theC_(max) is substantially reduced or eliminated. By doing this, theamount of triptan compound delivered systemically may be comparable tothe other methods, but concentration spiking is significantly reduced.That is, in some embodiments, the methods of the present inventionprovide an effective amount of sumatriptan such that migraine and/ornausea are treated, while minimizing or preventing concentration spikingor burst such that side effects, e.g., those described herein, are alsominimized or prevented. Another advantage of the methods of the presentinvention is that the concentration of triptan compound in the subjectgenerally reaches therapeutic levels less than an hour afteradministration begins. Furthermore, therapeutic levels of triptancompound may be maintained for a desired length of time, e.g., four tofive hours.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods foraborting a migraine in a subject having a migraine. In some embodiments,the present invention provides methods for treating a subject sufferingfrom prodromal migraine symptoms by iontophoretically administering aneffective amount of a triptan compound to the subject. In otherembodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating asubject suffering from a migraine aura comprising iontophoreticallyadministering an effective amount of a triptan compound to the subject.In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods forrelieving headache pain in a subject with migraine.

The subject may be any of those described herein. In one embodiment, thesubject is a human. In a further embodiment, the subject may besuffering from a migraine (with or without migraine-induced vomiting ornausea), a migraine aura or prodromal migraine symptoms. In otherembodiments, the subject is suffering from nausea or vomiting that mayor may not be migraine-induced. In yet another embodiment, the subjectsuffering from migraine has a pain severity score of 2 or 3 (see Table1, infra). In still other embodiments, the subject's pain severity scoreis reduced from a score of about 3 to about 2, to about 1 or to about 0after iontophoretic administration as described herein. In otherembodiments, the subject's pain severity score is reduced from a scoreof about 2 to about 1 or to about 0 after iontophoretic administrationas described herein. In a further embodiment, the subject has a historyof suffering from migraines (with or without vomiting or nausea),prodromal migraine symptoms or migraine aura. In some embodiments, thesubject is susceptible to cardiovascular side effects or migraineeffect.

The methods of the present invention may be advantageous over oraland/or nasal administration of triptan compounds because there is lessvariation of pharmacokinetic parameters with the present invention ascompared to oral or nasal delivery. For example, in contrast to oraldelivery of sumatriptan, the amount of variance between the subjectsafter being administered sumatriptan iontophoretically is a fraction ofthe amount of variance between the subjects after being administeredsumatriptan orally. Additionally, also in contrast to oral delivery ofsumatriptan, the amount of variance between individual iontophoreticadministrations of sumatriptan in a single subject is a fraction of theamount of variance between individual oral administrations ofsumatriptan to a single subject.

In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention providetreatment of nausea and/or migraine without migraine-associatedabsorption reduction. As used herein, the term “migraine-associatedabsorption reduction,” which may also be referred to herein as “migraineeffect,” refers to a reduction in the amount of absorption of a drug,e.g., a triptan compound, into the plasma of a subject suffering from amigraine (with or without migraine-induced vomiting or nausea) ascompared to the amount of absorption of the drug into the plasma of thesubject during a migraine free period. In one embodiment, themigraine-associated absorption reduction is a reduction in the amount ofabsorption of sumatriptan. In one embodiment, the migraine-associatedabsorption reduction is a reduction in the amount of absorption oforally administered sumatriptan. Without wishing to be bound by anyparticular theory, it is believed that migraine-associated absorptionreduction may be due, at least in part, to the effect of a migraine onthe ability of the gastrointestinal tract to absorb the drug (e.g., thesumatriptan).

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treatingnausea and/or migraine in a subject susceptible to migraine-associatedabsorption reduction. Without wishing to be bound by any particulartheory, it is believed that certain subpopulations of migraine sufferersare susceptible to migraine-associated absorption reduction (e.g., whenadministered a triptan compound orally). The iontophoretic methodsdescribed herein can treat nausea and/or other migraine symptoms insubjects susceptible to migraine-associated absorption reduction suchthat the nausea and/or other migraine symptoms are treated withoutmigraine-associated absorption reduction.

In some embodiments, the iontophoretically administered triptan compoundprovides about a 5%, about a 10%, about a 15% about a 20%, about a 25%,about a 30%, about a 35% or about a 40% greater triptan plasma level(e.g., C_(max)) in the subject post administration compared to thetriptan plasma level in the subject upon oral administration of atriptan compound in a therapeutically effective amount (e.g.,sumatriptan in a 50 mg oral dose). In some embodiments, aniontophoretically administered 6 mg of sumatriptan provides about a 5%,about a 10%, about a 15% about a 20%, about a 25%, about a 30%, about a35% or about a 40% greater sumatriptan plasma level in the subjectpost-administration compared to the sumatriptan plasma level in thesubject upon oral administration of 50 mg of sumatriptan.

In some embodiments, an effective amount of the triptan compound isiontophoretically administered. In one embodiment, the effective amountis about 6 mg of a triptan compound (e.g., sumatriptan). That is, insome embodiments, the methods for iontophoretic administration of atriptan compound provide about 6 mg of the triptan compound to asubject. In another embodiment, the effective amount of sumatriptan isgreater than about 5 mg, greater than about 10 mg, or greater than about15 mg. For example, in some embodiments, the effective amount is about 6mg of a triptan compound per iontophoretic patch. In one embodiment, theeffective amount of the triptan compound is effective to treat amigraine. In one embodiment, the effective amount of the triptancompound is effective to treat nausea. In some embodiments, theeffective amount of sumatriptan provides a concentration of about 10ng/mL or greater, about 11 ng/mL or greater, about 12 ng/mL or greater,about 13 ng/mL or greater, about 14 ng/mL or greater, about 15 ng/mL orgreater, about 16 ng/mL or greater, about 17 ng/mL or greater, about 18ng/mL or greater, about 19 ng/mL or greater, about 20 ng/mL or greater,about 21 ng/mL or greater, about 22 ng/mL or greater, or about 22.5ng/mL or greater in the subject's blood or plasma. In a furtherembodiment, the effective amount of sumatriptan provides about 10 toabout 25 ng/mL in the subject's plasma.

In some embodiments, iontophoretic administration of the effectiveamount of the triptan compound provides a C_(max) of about 20 ng/mL witha T_(max) of about 2 hours. The terms “C.” and “T_(max)” arepharmacokinetic parameters that are defined as the maximum observed drugconcentration and the time from T_(o) to maximum drug concentration,respectively. In other embodiments, iontophoretic administration of theeffective amount of the triptan compound provides an AUC₀₋₁₂ of betweenabout 98 and about 103 hr*ng/mL. The term “AUC₀₋₁₂” is a pharmacokineticparameter that is defined as the area under the concentration versustime curve from time 0 to the 12 hour time point, calculated usinglinear trapezoid rule.

In yet other embodiments, iontophoretic administration of the effectiveamount of a triptan compound provides a steady state triptan plasmalevel of greater than or about equal to about 10 ng/mL beginning beforeabout 1 hour post-administration and lasting between about 4.5 and about5.0 hours (e.g., about 4.7 hours) post-administration. The term “steadystate,” as used herein, is defined as the rate at which the rate ofadministration of the triptan compound is substantially about equal tothe rate of elimination of the triptan compound from the subject's body.The terms “triptan plasma level” or “triptan plasma concentration”include the concentration of the triptan compound in the plasma of thesubject. In one embodiment, the terms “triptan plasma level” and“triptan plasma concentration” include sumatriptan plasma levels andsumatriptan plasma concentrations.

In some embodiments, the AUC₀₋₄ (e.g., the area under the concentrationversus time curve from time 0 to the 4 hour time point, calculated usinglinear trapezoid rule) or C_(max) of the triptan compound administerediontophoretically is substantially about the same as the AUC₀₋₄ orC_(max) of a triptan compound administered orally in a therapeuticallyeffective amount (e.g., 50 mg or 100 mg oral sumatriptan).

In some embodiments, the subject's triptan plasma concentration reachesbetween about 10 and about 20 ng/mL within 1 hour after iontophoreticadministration of the triptan compound and is maintained between about10 and about 20 ng/mL for at least 3 hours after iontophoreticadministration of the triptan compound. In other embodiments, thesubject's triptan plasma concentration is between about 15 and about 20ng/mL (e.g., about 17 ng/mL) about 1 hour after iontophoreticadministration of the triptan compound. In yet other embodiments, thesubject's triptan plasma concentration is between about 10 and about 15ng/mL (e.g., about 14 ng/mL or about 15 ng/mL) about 2 hours afteriontophoretic administration of the triptan compound. In still otherembodiments, the subject's triptan plasma concentration is between about15 and about 20 ng/mL (e.g., about 15 ng/mL or about 16 ng/mL) about 3hours after iontophoretic administration of the triptan compound. In yetother embodiment, the subject's triptan plasma concentration is betweenabout 15 and 20 ng/mL (e.g., about 16 ng/mL or about 19 ng/mL) about 4hours after iontophoretic administration of the triptan compound.

In some embodiments, the triptan compound is administerediontophoretically in a two phase manner. In some embodiments, the twophase manner includes a first phase which lasts between about thirtyminutes and about two hours, between about thirty minutes and aboutninety minutes, or about one hour. The first phase, in some embodiments,employs a current of between about 3.5 mA and about 4.5 mA, betweenabout 3.75 mA and about 4.25 mA, about 4.0 mA. In some embodiments, thetwo phase manner includes a second phase which lasts between about 2hours and about 6 hours, between about 2 hours and about 5 hours,between about 2 hours and about 4 hours, or about three hours. Thesecond phase, in some embodiments, employs a current of between about1.5 to about 2.5 mA (e.g., about 2 mA). In another embodiment, thetriptan compound is administered iontophoretically in a first phasewherein the triptan compound is administered with a current of about 4mA for about an hour; and a second phase wherein the triptan compound isadministered with a current of about 2 mA for about three hours.

In other embodiments, the current selected in the methods provided doesnot substantially irritate the subject's skin. As used herein, the term“does not substantially irritate a subject's skin” includes a resultingskin erythema score of about 2.5 or less, about 2.0 or less, about 1.5or less or about 1.0 or less upon patch removal. In one embodiment, thecurrent “does not substantially irritate a subject's skin” if the skinerythema score of about 2.5 or less, about 2.0 or less 1.5 or less, orabout 1.0 or less within 2 hours of patch removal. In anotherembodiment, the current “does not substantially irritate a subject'sskin” if the skin erythema score is about 2.5 or less, about 2.0 orless, about 1.5 or less or 1.0 or less immediately upon patch removal.Skin erythema scores may be found in Table 2, infra. Accordingly, insome embodiments, the methods of the present invention utilize a currentwhich results in moderate, minimal or no erythema. In some embodiments,the methods of the present invention utilize a current which results inno or minimal erythema. In some embodiments, the methods of the presentinvention utilize a current which results in no or minimal erythema inover 85%, (e.g., over 86%, over 87%, over 88%, over 89%, over 90%, over91%, over 92%, over 93%, over 94%, over 95%, over 96%, over 97%, over98%, over 99%) of a patient population.

In other embodiments, the current does not result in a skin erythemascore of greater than about 2.5, of greater than about 2.0, of greaterthan about 1.5 or of greater than about 1.0 immediately after patchremoval. In some embodiments, the current results in moderate, minimalor no erythema. In some embodiments, the current results in minimal orno erythema.

EXEMPLIFICATION OF THE INVENTION

The methods of this invention can be understood further by the followingexamples. It will be appreciated, however, that these examples do notlimit the invention. Variations of the invention, now known or furtherdeveloped, are considered to fall within the scope of the presentinvention as described herein and as hereinafter claimed.

Example 1 A Phase I, Open Label, Single Dose, Four-Way Crossover StudyComparing the Pharmacokinetics of a Sumatriptan IontophoreticTransdermal Patch with an Oral Formulation of Imitrex® (50 mg) inMigraine Subjects During an Acute Migraine Attack and During aNon-Migraine Period.

Objective: The primary objective of this Phase I study was to comparethe pharmacokinetics (PK) of a sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermalpatch with a currently approved formulation of Imitrex® in migrainesubjects both during an acute migraine attack and during a non-migraineperiod.

Methodology/Study Design: This was a Phase I, open label, single-dose,four-way crossover study. Screening assessments were performed duringthe Screening (prior to Period 1) and Re-Screening (prior to Period 5)visits.

In Period 1, when the subject experienced a migraine headache, theyarrived at the clinic. To qualify for Period 1, the subject's headachewas moderate (score of 2) or severe (score of 3) in pain intensity,using the Subject's Headache Pain Severity Score found in Table 1.Additionally, the subject arrived at the clinic within approximately 4hours of the onset of their migraine and the subject had no food oralcohol intake in the prior 4 hours. Triptans, opioids, ergotamines,drugs affecting gastric motility (i.e., metoclopramide, anti-emetics)were prohibited within 72 hours of arrival at the clinic.

TABLE 1 Score Definition 0 No pain 1 Mild pain: allowing normal activity2 Moderate pain: disturbing, but not preventing normal activity 3 Severepain: normal activity has to be discontinued, bed rest may be necessary

If the subject met the eligibility criteria, they underwent PK samplingfollowing dosing with Treatment A (sumatriptan succinate, RTTechnology™, Imitrex® tablet: 50 mg taken orally). Rescue medicationswere allowed after the last PK sample was obtained.

In Period 2, during a non-migraine period, the subject returned to theclinic. To qualify for Period 2, the subject must not have headache oraura, and the subject's last migraine headache must have been resolvedat least 72 hours prior to clinic arrival. Additionally, the subject hadno prodromal symptoms for at least 24 hours prior to the trial, and nofood or alcohol intake in the prior 4 hours. Triptans, opioids,ergotamines, drugs affecting gastric motility (i.e., metoclopramide,anti-emetics) were prohibited within 72 hours of arrival at the clinic.

If the subjects met the additional criteria, they underwent PK samplingfollowing dosing with Treatment A.

Once Periods 1 and 2 were completed, and data collected regarding oralsumatriptan therapy, Periods 3, 4, 5 and 6 commenced. These periods weredesigned to provide data regarding iontophoretic sumatriptan therapy. InPeriods 3 and 4, the investigational sumatriptan iontophoretictransdermal patch may have been exposed to freezing conditions duringshipping. Periods 5 and 6 were added to the protocol and all subjectswho participated in Periods 3 and 4 were invited to participate inPeriods 5 and 6, a replication of Periods 3 and 4.

In Periods 3 and 6, subjects arrived at the clinic when they experienceda migraine headache. If the subject met the additional eligibilitycriteria regarding timing of headache onset, headache severity, food andalcohol intake and medication restrictions (see Period 1), theyunderwent PK sampling following dosing with Treatment B (investigationalsumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal patch applied to the arm and leftin place for 4 hours). The patch was designed to deliver approximately 6mg of sumatriptan, utilizing 4 mA for one hour followed by 2 mA forthree hours for a total of 600 mA minutes. Rescue medications wereallowed after the last PK sample was obtained.

In Periods 4 and 5, during a non-migraine period, if the subject met theadditional eligibility regarding the absence of migraine symptoms, foodand alcohol intake and medication restrictions (see Period 2), theyunderwent PK sampling following dosing with Treatment B.

During Periods 1 to 4, fifteen blood samples were obtained at prescribedtimes for PK analysis. During Periods 5 and 6, fourteen blood sampleswere obtained at prescribed times for PK analysis. While wearing theinvestigational patch for periods 3, 4, 5 and 6, a patch adherenceevaluation was performed by the investigative staff.

During Periods 2, 4 and 5 (non-migraine periods), a 24-hour urine samplewas collected.

During Periods 3 and 4, a skin irritation examination was performedfollowing treatment with the investigational patch at pre-dose, 4 hours(immediately following patch removal), 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours postpatch application. During Periods 5 and 6, a skin irritation examinationwas performed following treatment with the investigational patch atpre-dose, 4 hours (immediately following patch removal), 6, 12, 48 and72 hours post patch application. If erythema was present at 72 hours,the subject returned to the clinic in 7 days (±1 day) for an additionalskin irritation examination. If erythema was present at the Day 10visit, the subject returned for weekly visits until the skin irritationscore was 0.

The skin irritation examination was an assessment of the skin directlyunder the drug reservoir pad and directly under the salt reservoir pad.The skin irritation examination scale is presented in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Score Definition 0 No erythema 1 Minimal erythema 2 Moderateerythema with sharply defined borders 3 Intense erythema with or withoutedema 4 Intense erythema with edema and blistering/erosion

Pharmacokinetic Serum Samples: Blood samples (4 mL per sample, a totalof 60 mL for each Periods 1-4 and 28 mL for both Periods 5 and 6) for PKanalysis were collected for all treatments for the determination ofsumatriptan concentrations in plasma (analyzed by validated HPLC withMS/MS detection). During Periods 1 to 4, samples were taken at pre-dose(within 15 minutes prior to dosing) and at 0.25, 0.50, 1, 1.25, 1.5,1.75, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours post-dose. During Periods 5and 6, the samples were the same, except the 24 hour post dose samplewas omitted. Dose timing for Treatment A began when the oral tablet wasswallowed and Treatment B began when the investigational patch wasapplied and the red LED light was continuously lit.

Selection of Study Populations:

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects must have met all of the followingcriteria:

-   -   1. Adult male and female subjects, between 18 and 65 at the time        of the screening.    -   2. Subjects with a diagnosis of migraine headache, with or        without aura, as defined in Section 1.1 and 1.2.1 of the        International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2^(nd)        Edition and the diagnosis was made before the age of 50.    -   3. Subjects typically experienced moderate (score of 2) or        severe (score of 3) (refer to Table 1) headaches during a        migraine attack (if untreated), based on subject testimony; and        a majority of these attacks were accompanied by nausea and        vomiting.    -   4. Subject had at least 1 year history of migraine based upon        subject testimony.    -   5. Subject was judged to be in good health, based upon the        result of a medical history, physical examination, vital signs,        ECG and laboratory profile. Subjects did not have any clinically        significant abnormal laboratory parameters, vital signs or ECG        parameters on order to qualify for enrollment.    -   6. Subjects were capable of reading and understanding English or        Spanish and were able to carry out all study procedures and        voluntarily sign and date an Informed Consent agreement approved        by an Institutional Review Board.    -   7. Subjects had a negative drug screen.    -   8. Female subjects of childbearing potential had a negative        pregnancy test at the Screening.    -   9. Subject had two acceptable patch application sites (left        and/or right arms) that were relatively hair free and had no        scars, tattoos, scratches or bruises.

Test Products, Dose and Modes of Administration: The test product(Treatment B) was a transdermal patch with anode and cathode reservoirpads delivering approximately 6 mg of sumatriptan using a low electricalcurrent to produce a waveform of 4 mA for 1 hour, then 2 mA for 3 hoursutilizing a total of 600 mA minutes.

The drug reservoir pad (anode) formulation contained 3.0 grams ofsumatriptan gel solution (10% polyamine and 4% sumatriptan succinate)containing 120 mg of sumatriptan succinate.

The salt reservoir pad (cathode) formulation was 3.0 grams of 2%hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) solution with 0.9% NaCl.

Subjects who were invited to participate in all 6 periods of the studyreceived 4 investigational patches, with 2 given during an acutemigraine attack and 2 given during a non-migraine period.

Reference Therapy, Dose and Administration: The Reference Therapy wasTreatment A (one formulation of RT Technology™ Imitrex® 50 mg oralsumatriptan tablet). Each subject received 2 tablets of the referencetherapy: one given during an acute migraine and one tablet given duringa non-migraine period.

Patch Adherence Evaluation: A patch adherence evaluation was performedfor each patch treatment at 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after patch application.The 4 hour evaluation was performed immediately before the patch isremoved. Table 3 indicates the Patch Adherence Scoring Code to be usedfor this evaluation.

TABLE 3 Action Secure with Approved Score Definition Adhesive Tape 0≧90% adhered n/a (essentially no lift off of the skin) 1 ≧75% to <90%adhered Yes (some edges only lifting off skin) 2 ≧50% to <75% adheredYes (less than half the patch lifting off the skin) 3 <50% adhered butnot Yes detached (more than half the system lifting off the skin withoutfalling off 4 Patch detached (patch Yes completely off the skin)

Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Evaluation: The following PK parameterswere calculated from the actual plasma concentration-time data usingnon-compartmental methods with WinNonlin: AUC_(0-last), AUC_(0-inf),C_(max), T_(max), λ_(z) and t_(1/2). Additional exploratory PKparameters were estimated, including AUC₀₋₂, AUC₀₄, time to achieve 10ng/mL sumatriptan plasma concentrations and time to achieve 70%, 80% and90% of C_(max). Amount and percent of the drug excreted in the urineunchanged or as sumatriptan metabolites in urine over a 24-hour periodwas calculated from the 24-hour urine collection data during thenon-migraine periods.

Pharmacokinetics: There were two populations for pharmacokinetic (PK)analysis. The first PK populations was the All PK Population thatincluded all subjects who received at least one dose of study drug andwho had sufficient plasma concentration-time data to derive the requiredPK parameters. The second PK analysis population was the PK EvaluablePopulation that included all subjects in the All PK Population whocompleted all 6 periods of the study. The PK Evaluable Population wasthe primary population for the investigational patch evaluation.

Results: A total of 23 subjects completed the oral and patch dosings. 23subjects received at least one dose of oral sumatriptan (Treatment A)and 19 subjects received at least one iontophoretic patch application.All 23 subjects who received study treatment were included in theanalyses of safety and pharmacokinetics. 18 subjects completed Periods1, 2, 5, and 6, and were thus included in the analyses that comparedpharmacokinetic parameters across treatments and/or periods.

The mean sumatriptan plasma levels (ng/mL) of all subjects over 12 hourspost dosing is shown in FIG. 1.

Mean plasma concentration over time profiles for PK Evaluable subjects(i.e., subjects who participated in Periods 1, 2, 5, and 6) and thecorresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) at each time point areshown in FIG. 3 (linear scale) and FIG. 4 (semi-log scale). Tables 4 and5 provide a summary of the pharmacokinetic parameters C_(max), AUC₀₋₄,AUC₀₋₁₂, AUC_(0-inf), T_(max), t_(1/2), Time Above 10 ng/mL, and AUCabove 10 ng/mL for Periods 1, 2, 5, and 6 in these subjects.

TABLE 4 Mean (SD) C_(max) and AUC Values by Period and Treatment PeriodC_(max) AUC₀₋₄ AUC₀₋₁₂ AUC_(0-inf) ¹⁾ (Treatment/Migraine Status)(ng/mL) (hr · ng/mL) (hr · ng/mL) (hr · ng/mL) Period 1 (Oral/Migraine)26.3 (11.77) 68.5 (28.74) 102.1 (40.57) 113.7 (47.34)²⁾ Period 2(Oral/Migraine-free) 33.0 (12.36) 83.1 (28.98) 124.1 (41.81) 138.3(48.07)^(b) Period 5 (NP101/Migraine-free) 21.1 (4.66) 55.5 (13.70) 95.4 (22.40)  98.3 (23.26) Period 6 (NP101/Migraine) 20.0 (5.46) 52.6(15.34)  87.5 (27.93)  90.5 (29.22) ^(a)The last PK sample was taken 12hours after dosing in Periods 5 and 6 whereas the last PK sample wastaken at 24 hours after oral dosing in periods 1 and 2. ^(b)One subjectwas excluded from AUC_(0-inf) summary due to poor linearity of theterminal phase (% AUC extrapolation >20%).

TABLE 5 Mean (SD) T_(max), t_(1/2), Time Above 10 ng/mL, and AUC above10 ng/mL Values by Period and Treatment Period T_(max) T_(1/2) TimeAbove 10 AUC Above 10 ng/mL (Treatment/Migraine Status (hr) (hr) ng/mL(hr) (hr · ng/mL) Period 1 (Oral/Migraine) 1.4 (1.23) 5.6 (3.35)¹⁾ 3.8(1.92) 37.7 (25.44) Period 2 (Oral/Migraine-free) 1.8 (0.75) 5.3(2.63)^(a) 4.4 (1.31) 53.1 (32.86) Period 5 (NP101/Migraine-free) 2.2(1.47) 2.2 (0.31) 4.4 (0.84) 26.9 (15.90) Period 6 (NP101/Migraine) 1.9(1.37) 2.3 (0.39) 3.8 (1.70) 23.6 (15.71) ^(a)One subject was excludedfrom t_(1/2) summary due to poor linearity of the terminal phase (% AUCextrapolation >20%).

The data in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 indicate that the mean sumatriptan plasmalevels for all of the subjects for the administration of sumatriptan viathe investigational patch was comparable for administration during amigraine (Period 6), as well as during a migraine free period (Period5). In contrast, there was approximately a 20% reduction in the meansumatriptan plasma levels during the first 4 hours after oraladministration of sumatriptan during a migraine attack (Period 1) whencompared to the oral administration of sumatriptan during a migrainefree period (Period 2). The AUC₀₋₄ and C_(max) were reduced by ≧about20% during a migraine attack compared to the migraine free period. Thedifference in the mean sumatriptan plasma levels in the orallyadministered sumatriptan may be evidence of a “migraine effect,” e.g.,an absorption reduction. Without being bound by theory, some migraineursmay experience a reduction in absorption of sumatriptan orallyadministered during a migraine attack (versus when the subject isheadache- or migraine-free), perhaps due in part to migraine-inducednausea or vomiting.

The mean sumatriptan plasma levels for these subjects are represented inFIG. 2 and Table 6, below.

TABLE 6 Approximate Sumatriptan Plasma Levels (ng/mL) over 12 HoursPost-Dosing Mode of 1 1.75 2 3 4 6 8 12 Administration hour hours hourshours hours hours hours hours Period 1 18 13 14 15 12 6 5 1 (migraineattack, 50 mg suma. tablet) Period 2 29 28 32 25 17 9 5 1 (migrainefree, 50 mg suma. tablet) Period 5 17 14 14 16 18 10 5 1 (migraine free,patch) Period 6 18 15 15 16 17 10 5 1 (migraine attack, patch)

The pharmacokinetic data for the subjects with the “migraine effect” isfound below, in Table 7. Moreover, the mean plasma concentration-timeprofiles for subjects without the migraine effect following oralsumatriptan treatment and for those with the migraine effect followingoral sumatriptan treatment are shown by period in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6,respectively.

TABLE 7 C_(max) AUC₀₋₄ AUC₀₋₁₂ AUC_(0-inf) (ng/mL) (hr · ng/mL) (hr ·ng/mL) (hr · ng/mL) Period (Treatment/ Migraine Effect MigraineEffect^(a) Migraine Effect^(a) Migraine Effect^(a) Migraine Status) YesNo Yes No Yes No Yes No Period 1 19.1 30.9 51.7 79.2 87.0 111.7 96.5123.1 (Oral/Migraine) (10.76) (10.30) (35.36) (18.16) (53.22) (28.92)(64.91) (34.69) Period 2 36.8 30.5 93.2 76.7 143.7 111.6 156.8 125.4^(b)(Oral/Migraine-free) (13.20) (11.77) (34.44) (24.48) (39.95) (39.68)(45.69) (47.59) Period 5 21.1 21.1 54.6 56.0 96.4 94.8 99.5 97.5(NP101/Migraine-free) (2.59) (5.74) (8.20) (16.67) (12.19) (27.63)(12.87) (28.61) Period 6 19.4 20.4 56.1 50.5 92.6 84.3 94.8 87.7(NP101/Migraine) (3.14) (6.66) (12.28) (17.21) (23.63) (31.00) (24.31)(32.80) ^(a)Migraine Effect = Yes ifAUC_(0-4(migrane))/AUC_(0-4(migrane free)) <0.80 andC_(max(migraine))/C_(max(migraine free)) <0.80 after oral dosing.^(b)One subject was excluded of AUC_(0-inf) summary due to poorlinearity of the terminal phase (% AUC_(0-inf)) extrapolation >20%.

The mean T_(max), t_(1/2) and time of plasma sumatriptan concentrationsabove 10 ng/mL did not appear to be affected by migraine after eitheroral sumatriptan or after patch. Following oral administration, the meanAUC above 10 ng/mL was somewhat higher during the migraine-free period(53.1 hr·ng/mL) than during the migraine period (37.7 hr·ng/mL).

The reduced exposure phenomenon (e.g., absorption reduction or migraineeffect) was further quantified by comparing the ratio of exposure basedon C_(max) and AUC₀₋₄. That is, a subject was considered as having asignificant migraine effect if the ratio of exposure was less than 80%for both C_(max) (C_(max(migraine))/C_(max(migraine free))<0.80) andAUC₀₋₄ (AUC_(0-4(migraine))/AUC_(0-4(migraine free))<0.80). Of the 18 PKEvaluable subjects, seven subjects (39%) met this definition and wereclassified as having a significant migraine effect following oralsumatriptan treatment, while the remaining 11 subjects were classifiedas not having a significant migraine effect following oral sumatriptantreatment.

Among the seven subjects who demonstrated a migraine effect onabsorption after oral treatment, there was a 48% decrease in meanC_(max), a 45% decrease in mean AUC₀₋₄, a 39% decrease in mean AUC₀₋₁₂,and a 38% decrease in mean AUC_(0-inf) during a migraine compared to anon-migraine period. The mean time above 10 ng/mL was also reducedduring a migraine period (3.0 hours) compared to during a migraine-freeperiod (5.1 hours). However, following patch treatment (Periods 5 and6), there was no difference in absorption for the migraine periodcompared to the migraine-free period among these subjects. The mean timeabove 10 ng/mL was 4.6 hours and 4.3 hours during Periods 5 and 6,respectively.

For the 11 subjects who did not demonstrate a migraine effect followingoral sumatriptan treatment, there were no marked differences in C_(max)and AUC values between migraine and non-migraine periods after eitheroral administration or after NP101 patch treatment.

Two subjects had ratios of exposure that met the definition of amigraine effect after administration of the exemplary patch of theinvention. Neither of these subjects met the criteria for a migraineeffect with oral sumatriptan administration. For the remaining 16 PKEvaluable subjects, there were no marked differences in mean C_(max) orAUC₀₋₄ for the migraine period compared to the migraine-free periodfollowing NP101 treatment.

Both study treatments were well tolerated in this study. There were noserious adverse events. The only adverse events reported after patchtreatment were application site conditions in eight (42.1%) subjects.Except for two events of application site pruritus that were of moderateseverity, all of these events were mild in severity. All events resolvedafter patch removal. Skin irritation assessments, shown in Table 8,fully resolved in most subjects within 12 hours after patch application.

TABLE 8 N (%) Subjects by Skin Assessment Site Time Point Finding Period5 Period 6 Pre-dose No erythema 18 (100) 18 (100) Under Under UnderUnder Drug Pad Salt Pad Drug Pad Salt Pad At the time No erythema 0 14(77.8) 1 (5.6) 15 (83.3) of patch Minimal erythema 13 (72.2)  4 (22.2)17 (94.4)  3 (16.7) removal Moderate erythema  5 (27.8) 0 0 0 6 hours Noerythema 0 17 (94.4) 1 (5.6) 16 (88.9) post-dose Minimal erythema 15(83.3) 1 (5.6) 17 (94.4)  2 (11.1) Moderate erythema  3 (16.7) 0 0 0 12hours No erythema 0 17 (94.4) 1 (5.6) 16 (88.9) post-dose Minimalerythema 16 (88.9) 1 (5.6) 17 (94.4)  2 (11.1) Moderate erythema  2(11.1) 0 0 0 48 hours No erythema  7 (38.9) 18 (100)   4 (22.2) 18(100)  post-dose Minimal erythema 11 (61.1) 0 14 (77.8) 0 Moderateerythema 0 0 0 0 72 hours No erythema 11 (61.1) 17 (94.4)  7 (38.9) 18(100)  post-dose Minimal erythema  7 (38.9) 1 (5.6) 11 (61.1) 0 Moderateerythema 0 0 0 0

Example 2 The Efficacy and Tolerability of a Sumatriptan IontophoreticTransdermal Patch in the Treatment of Acute Migraine: A Randomized,Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess theproportion of subjects who are headache pain free at two hours afterpatch activation. However, key secondary objectives are to assess theproportion of subjects who are nausea free at 2 hours after patchactivation, the proportion of subjects who are photophobia free at 2hours after patch activation as well as the proportion of subjects whoare phonophobia free at 2 hours after patch activation.

Other secondary objectives are to assess the proportion of subjects whoare headache pain free, who experience headache pain relief, who arenausea free, who are photophobia free and who are phonophobia free ateach time point after patch activation. Additional secondary objectivesare to assess the proportion of subjects who are migraine free (noheadache pain, no nausea, no phonophobia and no photophobia), at twohours after patch activation, the proportion of subjects with asustained headache pain free response (defined as 2 to 24 hour period)following patch activation without the use of rescue medication, as wellas the proportion of subjects who do not use rescue medication within a24 hour period following patch activation.

Methodology/Study Design: This was a randomized, parallel group,double-blind, placebo controlled study. Subjects will complete threestudy visits; Screening Visit, Randomization Visit, and Final Visit.Adult subjects who meet the enrollment criteria were randomized in a 1:1ratio into one of two treatment groups: sumatriptan iontophoretictransdermal patch, or placebo iontophoretic transdermal patch. Dosetiming (t=0) for both groups began when the patch was applied andactivated. Screening assessments were performed during the Screening

The criteria for a qualifying study migraine were as follows: headachepain must be moderate (score of 2) or severe (score of 3), and thesubject has not taken an analgesic or antiemetic medication for theprevious 8 hours.

During and after a qualifying migraine headache for which the subjectuses the study patch, the following steps were performed by the subject:

-   -   The subject confirmed that they did not take an analgesic (pain)        or antiemetic (anti-nausea) medication for 8 hours prior to        using the study patch.    -   The subject completed the assessments just prior to applying the        patch: whether headache is unilateral (one sided) or bilateral        (both sides), increases with movement, severity of headache        pain, absence or presence of aura, nausea, photophobia        (sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound).    -   The subject applied the patch to right or left upper arm and        recorded patch application location in the diary.    -   The subject completed assessments for the presence or absence of        pain (assessment of severity if present) as outlined in Table 9,        and the absence or presence of nausea, photophobia (sensitivity        to light) and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound) at 0.5, 1, 2,        3, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after activating the patch. Subjects        were required to stay awake to record pain and symptom        assessments for the first four hours post patch activation and        were instructed to awaken intermittently to complete the 6, 12        and 24 hour assessments. Subjects were encouraged to use the        timer provided to ensure that assessment are completed and        recorded in the diary at the specified times.    -   The subject does not use pain medications or medications to        treat nausea for the first two hours following patch activation.    -   At each of the assessment time points, the subject recorded the        use of medication to treat pain and/or medication to treat        nausea taken through 24 hours following patch activation.        Although prohibited, in the event pain medication or medication        to treat nausea were taken within the 8 hours prior to patch        application, this information was also recorded.    -   Triptans were not allowed until after the Final Visit and pain        medication was allowed 2 hours following patch activation only        if the headache pain was moderate or severe.    -   Medications to treat nausea were allowed 2 hours after patch        activation if symptoms were not amenable to supportive measures,        and were severe enough to require treatment with a medication.    -   The subject recorded whether the headache returned (if headache        was gone at 2 hours) within 2-24 hours post patch activation.    -   Patch was gently removed at 4 hours after patch activation (when        the LED light is off).    -   The subject completed self-skin examination at 4 hours (within        10 minutes of patch removal), 6, 12, 24 hours post patch        activation and daily thereafter until the self-skin examination        score was zero. The self examination irritation scores are found        in Table 10.    -   If the skin irritation score is noted to be a 3 or 4, or        worsened after a period of improvement the subject called the        Study Doctor or investigative personnel to be seen as soon as        possible (within 24 hours).    -   The subject called within 12 hours of activating the patch and        recorded if nausea was absent or present just prior to study        patch application.

TABLE 9 Subject Diary Headache Pain Severity Score Score Definition 0 Nopain 1 Mild pain: allowing normal activity 2 Moderate pain: disturbing,but not preventing normal activity 3 Severe pain: normal activity has tobe discontinued, bed rest may be necessary

TABLE 10 Subject Self-Examination Irritation Score Score Definition 0 Noredness 1 Minimal skin redness 2 Moderate skin redness with sharpborders 3 Intense skin redness with or without swelling 4 Intense skinredness with blisters or broken skin

Subjects remained in the study until they treated one migraine headachewith a study patch or two months after randomization, whichever occursfirst. At the final visit, the Investigator examined the subject patchplacement site and scored the skin irritation using the scores in Table2 (above in Example 1). For subjects who had a skin irritation score ≧1at the final visit, the Investigator scheduled a follow-up visit in 10days (±2 days) to complete another skin irritation examination andcontinued to follow the subject weekly thereafter until the skinirritation score was zero (0).

Selection of Study Populations:

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects met all of the criteria outlined above inconnection with Example 1.

Results: A total of 530 subjects were randomized (265 in each treatmentgroup), 469 of whom applied the study patch (234 with sumatriptan and235 placebo). 454 subjects applied and activated (light continuously onfor any length of time) the study patch and had at least one postbaseline assessment for pain.

Among the 454 subjects, a higher proportion who received the sumatriptanpatch were headache pain-free 2 hours after patch activation comparedwith placebo (18% vs 9%, respectively; P=0.0092). A significantdifference from placebo was also observed at 1 hour and continued forall subsequent time points up to and including 12 hours after patchactivation (P≦0.0357).

The sumatriptan patch was also associated with a significantly higherproportion of subjects reporting headache pain relief as early as 1 hourfollowing patch activation compared with placebo (29% vs 19%,respectively; P=0.0135). This difference from placebo was maintained at2 hours (53% vs 29%; P<0.0001) and for all subsequent time points up toand including 12 hours (P<0.01).

Two hours after patch activation, a higher proportion of subjects whoreceived the sumatriptan patch compared with those who received placebowere also nausea-free (84% vs 63%, respectively; P<0.0001),photophobia-free (51% vs 36%, respectively; P=0.0028), andphonophobia-free (55% vs 39%, respectively; P=0.0002).

Among subjects who reported nausea at baseline, a higher proportion ofthose treated with the sumatriptan patch compared with placeboexperienced pain relief at 1 hour (22% vs 13%, respectively) and 2 hours(54% vs 22%, respectively) after patch activation (FIG. 7A). Amongsubjects who reported nausea at baseline, a higher proportion of thosetreated with the sumatriptan patch compared with placebo werenausea-free at 1 hour (44% vs 32%, respectively) and 2 hours (68% vs43%, respectively) after patch activation (FIG. 7B). Among subjects whoreported nausea at baseline, a higher proportion of those treated withthe sumatriptan patch compared with placebo were free from photophobiaat 1 hour (31% vs 26%, respectively) and 2 hours (55% vs 34%,respectively) after patch activation (FIG. 7C). Among subjects whoreported nausea at baseline, a higher proportion of those treated withthe sumatriptan patch compared with placebo were free from phonophobiaat 1 hour (42% vs 37%, respectively) and 2 hours (64% vs 37%,respectively) after patch activation (FIG. 7D).

Among the subjects who activated the patch (n=469), treatment-emergentadverse were reported by 50% of subjects who received the sumatriptanpatch and 44% of subjects who received placebo. The most common adverseevents (≧5% of subjects) were application site-related, and typicallyresolved within 2 days. These included application site pain(sumatriptan patch 23%; placebo 15%), paresthesia (sumatriptan patch12%; placebo 19%), pruritus (sumatriptan patch 8%; placebo 7%), andreaction (sumatriptan patch 7%; placebo 6%). The incidence oftriptan-specific adverse events typically associated with sumatriptanplasma levels >50 ng/mL was very low in the sumatriptan patch group(3%). 2% of patients in the sumatriptan patch group and 1% of patientsin the placebo group discontinued owing to adverse events. Skinirritation data is provided in Tables 11 and 12, below.

TABLE 11 Patient Assessment of skin irritation Suma. Patch Placebo PatchRemoval 39% - none or minimal 73% - none or minimal 55% - moderate 24% -moderate 24 hrs after removal 79% - none or minimal 93% - none orminimal 19% - moderate 6% - moderate

TABLE 12 Investigator Assessment of skin irritation at 24-72 hours postpatch application Suma. Patch Placebo No or minimal erythema 88% 96%Moderate 11% 3% Intense 1% 1%

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the following claims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The contents of all references, patents and patent applications citedthroughout this application are hereby incorporated by reference.

We claim:
 1. A method for treating nausea in a subject suffering from amigraine, the method comprising: iontophoretically administering aneffective amount of a triptan compound to a subject suffering from amigraine, such that the nausea is treated without cardiovascular sideeffects.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the nausea is reduced in thesubject by at least about 50%.
 3. The method of any one of the precedingclaims, wherein the nausea is treated without migraine-associatedabsorption reduction.
 4. The method of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the migraine is aborted in the subject.
 5. The method of any oneof the preceding claims, wherein the nausea is treated without triptanside effects.
 6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe nausea is treated for at least two hours.
 7. The method of any oneof the preceding claims, wherein the migraine is treated for at leasttwo hours.
 8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein thesubject is suffering from a migraine with a pain severity score of 2 or3.
 9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subjectis suffering from migraine induced nausea or vomiting.
 10. The method ofany one of the preceding claims, wherein the triptan compound is asumatriptan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. Themethod of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subject'sheadache score is reduced from a score of about 3 to about 2, to about1, or to about
 0. 12. The method of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the subject's headache score is reduced from a score of about 2to about 1, or to about
 0. 13. The method of any one of the precedingclaims, wherein iontophoretically administering the triptan compoundcomprises a current which results in minimal or no erythema.
 14. Themethod of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the triptan compoundis administered iontophoretically in a two phase manner, comprising: afirst phase, wherein the triptan compound is administered with a currentof about 4 mA for about an hour; and a second phase, wherein the triptancompound is administered with a current of about 2 mA for about threehours.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the current does notsubstantially irritate the subject's skin.
 16. The method of claim 14 orclaim 15, wherein the current does not result in a skin erythema scoreof greater than 2.5, of greater than 2.0, of greater than 1.5, or ofgreater than 1.0, immediately after patch removal.
 17. The method of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the subject is a human.
 18. Themethod of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subject issuffering from a prodromal migraine symptom, and wherein the prodromalmigraine symptom is treated.
 19. The method of any one of the precedingclaims, wherein the subject is suffering from a migraine aura, andwherein the migraine aura is treated.